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Shaadi without strings, and Gen Z is grabbing the chance to party

Shaadi without strings, and Gen Z is grabbing the chance to party

India Today2 days ago
A quirky and unconventional trend has been gaining popularity in urban India: fake weddings held purely for fun. These events mimic real marriages in every way—decorations, rituals, baraat, mehendi and sangeet—but without any legal or religious binding. Their purpose? Pure entertainment, social bonding and the freedom to experience the joy of weddings without the pressure of commitment.The faux weddings are usually organised by groups of friends or event companies and often follow a light-hearted, role-play format. Two consenting friends 'get married' for the night, while the rest play guests, relatives or part of the wedding party. The events are often lavish, with DJs, caterers, photo booths and even wedding planners on board. Sometimes the 'bride' and 'groom' even have their own Instagram hashtag.advertisement'I haven't danced that much in years,' says Priya Mehta, a 22-year-old marketing executive from Bengaluru. 'It was freeing to be part of a wedding where nobody was judging what I wore or asking when I'm getting married. We just let loose.' The trend is catching on particularly among millennials and Gen Z, who are increasingly sceptical about traditional marriage but still love the vibrant celebrations that come with Indian weddings. Fake weddings provide a safe space to relive that magic, without the emotional or financial baggage.Rohit Bansal, a 26-year-old freelance designer in Delhi, who played 'groom' at a fake wedding organised by friends, describes it as 'the most fun I've had all year'. 'There were no relatives asking awkward questions, just laughter, dancing and complete strangers bonding like old friends. It was better than most real weddings I've attended,' he says.
Besides being fun, these events also serve a social function. Many attendees say they've made new friendships—and even romantic connections—at such weddings. Since the stakes are low and everyone's there to have a good time, the atmosphere is relaxed and inclusive. Nisha Rao, a 26-year-old photographer from Mumbai, says: 'At my friend's fake wedding, I ended up chatting with people from all walks of life. It felt like a big, happy family where nobody was competing or pretending.'While still niche, fake weddings are slowly moving from experimental to mainstream, especially in metros. Event planners are beginning to offer 'just-for-fun wedding packages', and some have even started organising them for corporate team-building. As more young Indians look for alternative ways to celebrate life and connect with others, fake weddings may just become the new sangeet of modern friendships.Subscribe to India Today Magazine- EndsTrending Reel
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